Notorious International taking its sound international

After a string of headline-grabbing victories, Notorious International sound system is setting its sights on North America, hoping to transform regional acclaim into international recognition.

First established in 2010, the sound system got its major breakthrough during a memorable performance at the All-Star Boom Clash a few years ago. Since then, the victories have continued to pile up. In 2024, the sound marked its emergence with one of the most dominant performances at Reggae Sumfest Global Clash, defeating an international line-up that included Bodyguard Sound, Code Red featuring Chris Diamond, Warrior Sound from Germany, and Dynamic from Africa.

A year later, the sound claimed an even bigger milestone when its selectors defeated clash heavyweight Tony Matterhorn at Reggae Sumfest Global Clash 2025, a victory that solidified its place among the elite selectors in the business. After Matterhorn played a dub from rapper 50 Cent, he exited the stage confidently for Notorious International to respond.

“I came back and played an artiste called 49 Cents and that was it, the place shell right down to the ground,” Rohan ‘Notorious Shabba’ Henry, founder of Notorious International, recalled with a laugh.

What separates him from many of his peers is his ability to blend entertainment with education. He is as much a student of dancehall history as he is a competitor, often weaving cultural references and historical context into performances that captivate both longtime fans and younger audiences.

“Then I move on to Jamaica with sounds of festival, that’s where I kill everything. But I went there mainly for Ricky Trooper and he did get it,” he said confidently.

That combination of showmanship and substance has made him one of the most compelling personalities in contemporary clash culture.

Now, with momentum firmly on his side, Notorious Shabba and Notorious International are preparing for the next phase of his journey – North America. As sound clash culture continues to attract new audiences across the United States and Canada, the time is right to export the sound system’s brand of high-energy entertainment to a larger stage.

The sound has evolved into a major economic force, employing a talented cadre of sound engineers, emcees, DJs, selectors and dancers. while energising stages across the island and the Caribbean. For fans, it is the next chapter in a remarkable rise but, for rivals, it is a warning.